The Money Tree: Adventures of the West Main Five - Softcover

McPhail, Kate

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0974895105 ISBN 13: 9780974895109

Publisher: Dragon Wings Publishing, 2012

Synopsis

The McPierson family has recently moved to Washington. Tom, aged 10, and his 8-year-old sister, Jamie, are excited to meet new friends. They soon form a club - The West Main Five -and discover a clue to a 25-year-old mystery! Using the library to research for more information, they begin to put together an intriguing puzzle. Will the club solve the mystery which has baffled the police for years? Who is the mysterious man whio seems so interested in them? Where is the missing robbery loot?

About this title

About the Author:

Kate McPhail was born in Oregon and grew up in Washington. She returned to Oregon in 1972. After obtaining a BS degree in Elementary Education, she taught in several Oregon private schools. She is also certified as a Master Level English and Writing tutor, has a MA in Professional Writing, and is certified as an educational Trainer through The Oregon Registry. While raising her four children, caring for 57 foster children, and hosting six foreign students, Kate participated in many children's organizations and was a member of the Post 18 chapter of Marion County Search and Rescue. She also held some professional titles: Childcare Center Director, Education and Environments Manager and Team Resource Supervisor (Site Director) at Head Start, and Family Advocate at a Woman's Prison. After working with children and families for over thirty years, Kate retired to become a full time author and entrepreneur in beautiful Southern Oregon, where she lives with two spoiled cats.

Review:

Kate McPhail presents a mystery that will entertain young and old readers alike. Follow The West Main Five club as they work to unravel the workings of a 25-year town mystery. With both excitement and humor, The Money Tree is a story that belongs among the best children's mysteries.
 
This reminded me of Trixie Belden (much-loved from my childhood) so not original. However, I didn't guess the villain's identity.The young mystery solvers becoming famous was a nice touch.
 
I loved the way the young characters interacted as they worked together to solve the mystery. The interplay between siblings was real and affectionate.
 
The plot is engaging and the structure works to build to a climax. The author created a wonderful sense of secret adventure,which cemented the new friendships. The sections where the characters carried out and pieced together their research was well-handled. ~ Curator at storyteller.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Dragon Wings Publishing
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0974895105
• ISBN 13: 9780974895109
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 66